Does Renters Insurance Cover Stolen Cash? (2025)

Renters insurance can provide coverage for stolen cash, but usually not more than a few hundred dollars.^[1] Insurance companies set low cash coverage sublimits because cash is difficult to trace and prove. It’s important to know when renters insurance does and doesn’t cover stolen cash.

Here’s what you should know about when renters insurance covers stolen cash, what steps to take after a theft, and how reimbursement works.

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When renters insurance covers stolen cash

Renters insurance generally includes theft coverage under the personal property section of the policy. This means if someone breaks into your home and steals your valuables, including cash, your policy may provide some reimbursement.^[2] But cash theft claims usually have a sublimit — a lower coverage cap specifically for cash and similar items.

Here are two common scenarios where renters insurance may cover stolen cash:

• A burglar breaks into your apartment and steals your wallet containing cash.

• Someone forces entry and steals a lockbox with emergency cash inside.

To understand exactly what your coverage includes, you should check your renters insurance policy document or declarations page. Most policies will clearly state the cash limit and any applicable exclusions.

When renters insurance doesn’t cover stolen cash

Even though renters insurance includes personal property coverage, your policy won’t always reimburse you for stolen cash. Several limitations and coverage exclusions can prevent you from getting a payout for a cash theft claim. Your insurer may deny your cash coverage in the following situations:

• Theft by roommates or household members, especially other people listed on your policy^[3]

• Lack of proof of ownership or possession, such as bank statements or ATM withdrawal receipts^[4]

• Theft that occurs under excluded circumstances, such as when the cash is in the possession of a third party

• Theft resulting from negligence, including situations where you failed to take basic safety precautions

• Theft that occurred before the policy was active, or outside of your policy limits

Your renters insurance policy may also require specific documentation to validate a claim, including a police report and evidence of the cash amount. Be sure to read your policy document carefully to understand any additional claim validation requirements.

How much stolen cash renters insurance covers

Renters insurance typically provides only a small amount of protection for stolen cash — usually between $200 and $300. The specific amount will depend on your policy and insurance company.

This cap is a sublimit, which is a smaller maximum payout for specific categories of personal property, like money, jewelry, or firearms. So, even if you have $25,000 in personal property coverage, the cash sublimit still applies.

Insurance companies impose these low limits because it’s easy to steal cash and hard to trace or prove ownership of it. Unlike a TV or a laptop, law enforcement can’t track stolen cash via receipts or other unique identifiers, making cash a higher fraud risk for insurers.

That said, a few insurers may offer higher sublimits or the option to increase your coverage for cash through endorsements or policy add-ons. If you keep larger amounts of money at home, you should talk to your insurance company about expanding your protection.

Does your policy cover stolen cash away from home?

Your renters insurance policy may cover stolen cash even when the theft occurs away from home. This protection typically falls under off-premises theft coverage, which extends your policy’s personal property coverage to items temporarily taken outside your residence.

For example, if someone steals your wallet while you’re studying at a coffee shop, riding the subway, or traveling across the country, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

But the same low cash sublimits that apply at home still apply when you’re away, and certain theft exclusions may reduce or deny coverage. If you’re carrying large amounts of cash while traveling, your policy likely won’t fully reimburse you.

To file a successful off-premises cash theft claim, you’ll likely need documentation, a police report, and proof that you possessed the stolen money.

How to file a stolen cash claim

If you need to file a renters insurance claim for stolen cash, follow these steps to better your chances of receiving reimbursement and avoiding unnecessary complications:

• 

  1. File a police report right away

  Your first step in the event of theft should almost always be to file a police report, especially for one involving cash. Be sure to provide accurate details about when and where the theft occurred, along with any relevant evidence.

• 

  2. Gather proof of possession

  Insurers typically need documentation that shows you had the cash. Acceptable forms of proof include recent ATM withdrawal receipts, bank statements, and surveillance footage of a withdrawal that confirms the amount in question.

• 

  3. Review your deductible and sublimits

  Check your renters insurance policy document to understand your deductible and the cash coverage limit. If your deductible is higher than your eligible reimbursement, filing a claim might not be worth it.

• 

  4. Submit a complete and detailed claim

  Include all required forms, documentation, and receipts. The more information you provide, the smoother the claims process will be.

Think carefully before filing, though. Filing multiple or low-value claims can lead to higher insurance premiums. If the stolen amount is minor, it might be better to skip the claim.

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Safe alternatives for protecting cash

You can reduce the risk of cash theft by taking proactive steps to store it more securely. Consider the following theft-prevention measures:

• Keep most of your cash in a bank account. Funds in checking and savings accounts have protection from the FDIC. Money stored in a bank is far more secure than physical cash stored at home.

• Avoid holding large amounts of cash at home. If you don’t need it immediately, it’s likely safer to deposit the money with a financial institution.

• Use a hidden, fireproof, and waterproof safe. For small amounts of emergency cash, invest in a secure safe that protects against both theft and environmental damage.

• Install home security features. Door and window alarms, security cameras, motion-sensor lights, and reinforced locks can all deter potential thieves.

Limiting how much cash you keep at home — and securing the money that you do — can reduce your risk significantly and help protect your valuables.

Renters insurance and stolen cash FAQs